Peer Recovery Specialist

Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board; Hampton (VA); On-site; USD 30,229 - 36,946; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage

Life Insurance

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Paid Time Off (PTO)

11 Paid Holidays

Participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS)

Job summary

The Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board is seeking a Peer Recovery Specialist I in Hampton, Virginia. This role focuses on providing structured peer support and advocacy for individuals recovering from mental health and substance use challenges.

Key responsibilities include offering encouragement, assisting with social and personal needs, and connecting individuals to community resources. Benefits include medical coverage, paid time off, and retirement system participation.

Qualifications

• Must have experienced a mental health and/or substance use condition.
• Minimum of 12 months successful recovery.
• Completion of DBHDS 72 hour Peer Recovery Specialist Training within 6 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer support and recovery-focused guidance.
• Assist with needs supporting community living.
• Observe and report changes in mental status.

Skills

Peer support experience

Knowledge of recovery processes

Strong communication skills

Job description

Peer Recovery Specialist I

Annual Salary: $33,588

Various Full-Time Work Schedules Available

About Us

Since 1971, the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board has provided the highest quality of behavioral health services to residents of the cities of Hampton and Newport News, Virginia, offering a comprehensive array of programs for both children and adults living with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and/or substance use disorders.

Role Overview

The Peer Recovery Specialist I provides structured peer support and advocacy for individuals working toward recovery from mental health and/or substance use challenges, helping strengthen stability and community integration.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide peer support, encouragement, and recovery-focused guidance
• Assist with physical, financial, social, and personal needs that support successful community living
• Observe and report changes in mental status and overall functioning
• Connect individuals to appropriate community resources and services
• Support development of daily living and independent-living skills

Required Qualifications/Skills

• Must be a person who has experienced a mental health and/or substance use condition.
• Minimum of 12 months successful recovery to include making progress in learning about and managing his or her condition and in developing a life outside of or in addition to this condition.
• Must complete the DBHDS 72 hour Peer Recovery Specialist Training within 6 months of hire.

A Typical Day

Your day as a Peer Recovery Specialist I centers on steady, person-first engagement. You’ll start by reviewing priorities and coordinating with team members, then spend time meeting with individuals to check in on progress and immediate needs. Throughout the day, you’ll help people navigate practical next steps—such as planning routines, problem-solving barriers to community living, and identifying supports that reinforce recovery. You’ll document key observations, communicate updates appropriately, and adjust your approach based on what you’re seeing in the moment. The pace can shift quickly, so you’ll balance independent work with timely collaboration to maintain a safe, supportive environment for those you serve.

Our Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS)